Love snow? Love science? Apply to be an instructor at Mt Baker Snow School, a collaboration between WWU and the NW Avalanche Center

The NWAC x WWU Internship is an opportunity for Western students to expand their learning and gain hands-on experience in the field of snow science

November 7, 2023

Students explore layers in the seasonal snow pack at Heather Meadows, Mt. Baker.

STUDENTS: Are you interested in youth environmental education at Mt Baker Ski Area? Do you want to earn internship credit and free lift tickets? Intern with The Northwest Avalanche Center this winter as part of the Mt. Baker SnowSchool, a science outreach effort for Whatcom and Skagit county middle schoolers.

Internship Summary

The NWAC x WWU Internship is an opportunity for Western students to expand their learning and gain hands-on experience in the field of snow science. Interns can choose between a 1-credit internship participating in NWAC’s Mt Baker SnowSchool or a 2-credit internship participating in SnowSchool and NWAC’s Trailhead Outreach program.

This internship is a great fit for students interested in environmental science, the snow and avalanche industry, outdoor recreation, or youth programming.

Mt Baker SnowSchool

At Mt Baker SnowSchool, middle-school students from Whatcom and Skagit counties engage in research and hands-on learning about weather, watersheds, snow algae, snowpacks, and avalanches. Interns support students as they interact with stations and lessons that promote field science and hands-on learning. These include snowpack analysis, snow algae sampling, snow water equivalency, and more. Interns work alongside snow professionals from The Northwest Avalanche Center, biologists from Western Washington University, and Whatcom and Skagit county public school teachers to create a positive learning environment for the students.

Trailhead Outreach

The Trailhead Outreach Program (THO) aims to reach winter backcountry recreationists at local trailheads and inform them of the forecasting services and education opportunities the center provides to their community. NWAC’s Trailhead Outreach Program’s success is driven by its simplicity – volunteers connect with recreationists at popular trailheads with easy access to avalanche terrain. Interns will work with other interns and NWAC volunteers to set-up tents and tables with outreach information, collect surveys with user information, and to engage with the public.

Internship Requirements

Interns must be available for the on-snow training day and a minimum of one consistent field day per week for the duration of the SnowSchool season. Training will run the weekend of Feb. 22-23 and program days will run Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Feb. 29 to March 29. Trailhead Outreach will happen on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Winter season at trailheads in the Mount Baker region.

1-credit Internship

  • 6 days of SnowSchool (~48 hours)
    • 1 training day
    • 5 program days (5 Thursdays or 5 Fridays)

2-credit Internship

  • 6 days of SnowSchool (~48 hours)
    • 1 training day
    • 5 program days (5 Thursdays or 5 Fridays)
  • 2 Trailhead Outreach Days (~12 hours)

As an Intern, you will:

  • Receive 1 lift ticket per day interned with SnowSchool
  • Be eligible for academic credit for internship hours
  • Receive professional development and educational opportunities

To Apply

Scan the QR code or click this link to fill out an application. This is a part-time, unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for providing their own food and transportation. It is the responsibility of the intern to complete paperwork with the university to receive credit for internships. Email Devon Schoos at devon@nwac.us with any questions.